NEWS

01-04-2009

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Subject : Rwanda's time to test giant killers Somalia
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Rwanda’s time to test giant killers Somalia as Tanzania take on Zanzibar in trick duel Finny Muyeshi, Kampala, Uganda Rwanda will be seeking to make nonsense of Somalia’s new tag of giant killers while Tanzania will be out to stop their half brothers Zanzibar when the Cecafa senior Challenge Cup enters the sixth day in Uganda Monday.
The setting will be the ageless Nakivubo Stadium in central Kampala, venue of Saturday’s sensational 1-0 victory of Somalia over Tanzania. It was at the same venue, and on the same day that Zanzibar put up a
memorable show to restrict hosts and favourites Uganda to a barren draw.
Rwanda lost 0-4 to Uganda in the opening round of Group A matches at the National Stadium, Nambole on Thursday thus need a win to have any hopes of making it to the semi finals.
But they face a Somali side that has been rejuvenated by their win over Tanzania and now see themselves going far in this ten-team tournament sponsored by pay-TV channel GTV.
Even with the heavy defeat at the hands of the Uganda Cranes, Rwanda’s Amavuvi still remain among the favourites and would not want to be cowed by Somalia’s newly found status.
Their heavy defeat is partly credited to their losing veteran goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndori in the second match. Ndori who was rushed to hospital as his team trailed 0-1 is unlikely to be ready for Monday’s match thus his understudy, Patrick Rutayisire should be starting in goal.
The Rwandese will need to sharpen their attack by asking the likes of Jean Lomami and Kamana Bokota to be seen to be earning their places in the team.
Against Uganda, the Rwandese ran out of steam as can be confirmed by the fact that they conceded all the four goals late in the match. Against Somalia, they face a determined side that plays the game for its entire duration.
They pride in having a strong striker in Cisse Abshir, the man who destroyed Tanzania Saturday.
Former captain Yusuf Ali is a strong midfielder while goalkeeper Khalid Ali is finally proving his worth in the side.
The keeper was ignored by coach Mohamed Abdi Farah for their 0-2 lost match against Zanzibar with Abdulkadir Sheikh starting. It was only after the team had taken in two goals that the second choice goalie was called upon to salvage the boat.
He did a wonderful job earning his place against Tanzania, whom he frustrated throughout.
For Tanzania, the match could not have come a worst time. They must be wishing this match came a bit later and at a time when circumstances would have made it easier for the Zanzibar not to put out a determined show.
As it is now, Zanzibar needs a win to be sure of progress while Tanzania must win to regain their footing in the tournament.
Zanzibar has a relatively young side with Yanga FC defender Nadir Haroud the most experienced.
The young players, many of who were in the Cecafa under 17 tournament in Burundi two years ago are still chasing everything that football offers thus will be putting everything into the match.
Tanzania have big names and came into the tournament fresh from a sensational win over Sudan in Khartoum. This win must have gone into their heads as they clearly underrated Somalia on Saturday.
Many believe coach Maximo must have also underestimated the strength of the Somalis, choosing to rest some of his big names.
In the process he was forced to call for second half reorder pulling out Nurdin Bakari, Nizar Khalfan and Jerson Tegete and throwing Henry Joseph, Danny Mrwanda and Mussa Hassan Mgosi into the fray.
But the changes, although improved the Tanzanian’s approach came late as Somalia had already taken the lead that they were determined to hold on to.